Weights and back problems, help please?

My advice is to not approach Internet Strangers with legitimate health issues.

Get a sports doctor or personal trainer who knows about rehab, and have an expert figure it out.

Everyone on here is just going to spout off the same info they've read from whoever told them on the MFP forums, and the misinformation is high here.

Rand486 is right about seeking medical advice - but, I want to share a bit of my story as it should help you with what you are going through.
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I have a genetic joint disorder that creates problems with using weights. I move wrong with a heavy weight and I could be spending the day in the hospital. In fact, I've done that many times. My worst joints are shoulders, ankles, and lower spine.

When I first tried to get into lifting, it was failure after failure. Even with trainers. Especially with trainers, mostly because folks didn't understand my "flexibility" with my joints. If I am not 100% on form I risk injury. Trainers often pushed me further than I should have gone. While my arm might handle the strength, my back could not. I mean I can move 75lb bales of hay for the horses, but could struggle with two 20lb weights. It made no sense to them (nor to me at that time).

It wasn't until about 6 months ago when I went to a new geneticist (due to insurance changes) and described my problems that I found sound advice. She also has the same problem I do and that probably helped a lot.

I won't go into my personal journey about getting my strength built up or specifics of my details. However, I think the advice I got might help you until you can find a doctor who understands and is willing to help you improve.

1) What others do in a day of lifting at the gym - could take me a week to get the same gain. I have to go much slower because of my issues. Try not to get caught up in what others are doing and compete. Find a trainer that is willing to help you go at your pace and not try to put you on a schedule and even willing to go slower (if your doctor says you need this).

2) Body Weight training is a great way to strengthen yourself without weights and I had less issues with form related injuries. It was a good way to strengthen myself up. For example, I needed to strengthen my shoulders to provide support around the joint. Instead of doing weights, I did pushups. Actually, Wall pushups, then pushups from my knees, then pushup from my knees but lower myself with my knees off the ground. Gradually and very slowly working my way towards pushups. Strengthening my shoulders slowly and without tossing weight around the joint. You might find similar alternatives could help you with your back. Again, consult a trainer. Find other ways to strengthen yourself that might be easier for you to progress until you can use the weights.

3) There are a variety of stretches, toning you can do. My geneticist referred me to a free site called fitnessblender.com - they have full workouts videos hosted on you tube. I have bookmarked the following videos that may help you when your back hurts:

Back Stabilization Workout - Core and Lower Back Strength

Lower Back Stretches for Sciatica Pain

Toning Lower Back Workout Routine - Best Lower Back Exercises at Home

Daniel's Favorite Lower Back Stretches for Stiff Sore Muscles

Those videos will obviously have some redundancy across them as they are targeting the back so it's not meant to do every one - just giving you some options. I linked directly to their you tube videos but, you might want to consider looking at the site as well and searching specifically for your back as they have numerous videos.